As an organization of low-income, working class families and youth,
SWU unites in one collective struggle for self-governance based on dignity, respect, justice and liberation.
About
Our story
SWU is a 32 year old inter-generational, multi issue community center focused on healing for the people & the planet.
SWU organizes its grassroots members to address collective needs of in their workplace and in their community through de-colonization, emancipatory education, leadership development and direct action for worker rights, environmental justice, and systemic change.
Our mission & vision
We envision all inclusive sustainable healthy communities rooted in dignity, justice and respect for self-determination, social-economic well-being autonomy and pachamama.
Originally founded to advocate for just wages and working conditions among San Antonio’s public school workers, SWU’s scope of work and political impact has grown significantly over the past 30 years to address these multiple facets of injustice that impact low-income families in South Texas.
Issues in our Community
Based in San Antonio, SWU implements a community-labor strategy that takes on the many faces of injustice that impact working-class and poor families in South Texas. SWU empowers and organizes its members through political education, leadership development, and direction with the aim to build multi-generational power and win substantive change.
01
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Rooted in environmental justice principles, SWU develops inclusive and culturally appropriate solutions to build safe and healthy environments where our families live, work, learn and play.
02
ECONOMIC JUSTICE
SWU organizes workers and working-class community members to address the personal and collective needs of low-income residents-in their workplace and in their community.
03
COMMUNITY VOICES RISING
We must take our efforts beyond election day to ensure that we are participating in the political process and that public officials are accountable to our needs.
Explore our programs:
Youth Leadership Organization:
The Youth Leadership Organization (YLO) strives to develop young leaders to engage in the local and global justice struggle. Learn more here!
SWU School:
The SWU Escuelita is a 15 week program aimed at training members, sharing knowledge, fostering solidarity and trust amongst our membership and allies, and build partnerships that enable us to engage in larger debates affecting our community. Learn more here!
The Movement Gallery:
A project of Southwest Workers Union and Centro Por La Justicia, The Movement Gallery is a multipurpose community space that uses art and culture to create social change. Learn more here!
Roots of Change Co-Op:
Roots of Change, a project of Southwest Workers Union, works to address environmental racism issues directly through the development of urban food growth. Learn more here!
What they are saying
the blog
membership is central to our organization.
We value and honor the experiences, perspectives, and analysis that our members bring to the space. This guides our work forward. As a member you hold the staff and board accountable and bring impact and value into our work.